Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree

The Swamp Chestnut Oak is one of our most beautiful and majestic native oak trees, growing 2 feet a year to become in time a tree at least 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. It has a rounded crown supported by a massive trunk. The leathery leaves are glossy, deep green, broad and without the deep lobes of most other oak trees. They turn rusty shades of yellow and red in late fall, and often stay on the tree well into the winter. Older trees produce crops of acorns that are naturally sweet, and can be eaten raw. They are important food for turkeys, deer, squirrels, woodpeckers and cows enjoy them too. A tree for larger gardens as a lawn specimen or shade tree. Plant it also in natural areas, especially wet places, along rivers and in areas subject to flooding.

• Superb, majestic specimen tree
• Broad, glossy leaves without the deep lobes of most oak
• Fast-growing to a considerable size, and long-lived
• An excellent choice for wet areas and places that flood
• Sweet, edible acorns

The Swamp Chestnut Oak grows best in full sun, but it will grow up through some shade into the light. Plant in any reasonably moist soil, and in wet soils and areas subject to flooding. Drought-resistant once established, and able to grow well in all but the driest places. Normally free of pests or diseases and needs no particular care. Water young trees regularly. Keep a main central leading stem for as long as possible, and remove lower branches to expose the trunk early, so that scars are not left.